Monte Albán Tour: Explore Zapotec Wonders

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant art of Oaxaca on this full-day tour. Explore the ancient ruins of Monte Albán, learn the art of making Alebrijes in Arrazola, visit the historic Cuilápam de Guerrero monastery, and admire the beautiful black mud shapes in San Bartolo Coyotepec.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán - Discover the historic Zapotec capital alongside a certified guide. Stroll through plazas, temples, and terraces while taking in breathtaking views of the valley.
  • San Antonio Arrazola - Gain insight into the entire process of crafting alebrijes, including copal carving, painting, and traditional methods.
    -…
What's Included
  • Guided tour of a black clay workshop in San Bartolo Coyotepec
  • Meeting point pickup and drop-off
  • Free time for photography at Monte Alban
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Guided tour of an alebrije workshop in Arrazola
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Admission in Monte Alban
Additional Information

The ancient city of Monte Albán, a remarkable archaeological site in Mexico, awaits your exploration with this thoughtfully paced tour, offering insightful explanations.
Begin your journey with breathtaking views of the Oaxaca Valley as a certified guide reveals the history, temples, and mysteries of the ancient Zapotec capital.
Next, visit the artisan…

Location
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Reforma
In front of the entrance to the Ethnobotanical Garden, on the corner of Constitucion and Reforma streets.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(99 Ratings)
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Armando
Oct 25, 2025
Good tour - We really liked the explanation and Edelmira also does it in English. Very good transport. You will go to the workshops that you cannot see in the places of sale of the alebrijes and the black mud.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosamar_ag916
Jul 24, 2025
Monte Albán, a Zapotec wonder! - Monte Albán is a majestic archaeological zone! If you go to Oaxaca, you must visit this amazing place. You truly feel closer to heaven and their Zapotec's Gods. The tour included a visit to one of Arrazola´s alebrijes´factories, where you will be immersed in the magic of colorful creatures. We also went to a ¨Black Pottery¨factory, where the bilingual worker explained the full process of creating this beautiful ceramic. Ede, our tour guide, was engaging and funny. She is very passionate about Monte Albán and the Zapotec culture. Jesús, our driver, drove carefully and entertained us with Oaxacan music, Oaxaca history and legends. It was a wonderful trip!
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Inspire40092912619
Jul 21, 2025
More than just the Ruins! - The tour of the ruins was amazing, and I had worried that a short tour (only a couple of hours) meant a boring or shallow experience. No, this was actually fascinating, with lots of room to walk and explore, and our guides were so helpful in Spanish and English. The van picked us up right at our hotel. What stood out to us on the tour was that in the second half of the day, we explored two local artisan groups (one of wooden carvings, one of pottery) we never would have thought to seek out, and we were charmed. We've told all our friends this was the best day of our week-long trip to Oaxaca!
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Q5332tosherryt
Jun 17, 2025
Best tour ❤️ - Amazing tour! I really enjoyed the time at Monte Alban. We were lucky the weather was perfect! Ede is a good and patient tour guide. ❤️
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Tatoe2025
Jun 17, 2025
Mount Alban, Alebrijes and Barro Negro - Excellent EDE attention very good explaining the whole tour from early explained us very well and gave us tips to have the best views and see the best landscapes for the best photos
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Road60444896408
May 7, 2025
Wonderful experience to explore Monte Albán and the artisan towns! - We did the full day tour to Monte Albán, Arrazola town (alebrijes, Manuel Jimenez) and Coyotepec town (black pottery). It was a fantastic experience to learn more about the history and culture of Oaxaca and Mexico. Most of the tour is spent at Monte Albán and at the craft towns you see a bit of how things are made and have time to do some shopping. It’s nice because everything is quite close to Oaxaca city so the drives in-between weren’t too long and the transportation was very comfortable. Lunch was paid separately (230); it was a buffet that had a lot of local food and was good. Edelmira was our guide and Oscar was our driver. Both were fantastic! Edel was very knowledgeable, friendly, and took good care of the group. Tip: it gets very hot in the day and Monte Albán is very exposed so make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water! Snacks also if you tend to get hungry, but there are places to buy things along the tour.
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908elizabeths908
Mar 15, 2025
Don't miss this one! - This is a trip that should not be missed. I was worried that it was in both Spanish and English but Edde was fully explaining in both languages. She has such a talent for telling the history and legends that you travel in time with her. I can't thank our driver, Ramsee enough for his skill and safe driving skills. All in all a magical trip. They took excellent care if this eighty year old!
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Genovevad45
Mar 8, 2025
Monte Alban - Excellent tour, very attentive and friendly Ede, I explain the tour well, I answer our questions, the very friendly driver. I recommend the tour with Ede
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Martinepv6997de
Mar 6, 2025
Great tour of Oaxaca! - Great tour with Ede and Clay! Ede is a passionate guide with an incredible knowledge and perfect attitude! Loved it! Thank you Ede!
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851rosief
Feb 27, 2025
Loved it! Would defo recommend this tour - Ede is a fantastic tour guide, really passionate and funny and knows so much, you can tell she really cares which made the experience 10 times better! Easy day being driven around by Chris (didn’t feel car sick like I normally do). Really enjoyed it, definitely reccomend
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From $42
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).